Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique benefits for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is renowned for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° from Gateron stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a noise-reducing soft, elastic feel. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro focusing on tactility and sound, while the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes a smooth and quiet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both feature polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the difference in their overall sound profiles may come from the other materials used in their construction.
While the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° also opts for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This choice of material for the bottom housing can significantly impact the overall sound and typing experience of the switch, complementing the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° showcases a thoughtful balance of materials to achieve the desired sound profile for each switch. While the specific implementations may vary slightly, the fundamental principles of using polycarbonate for sharper sound and nylon for fuller sound remain consistent across both switches. This results in a similar typing experience between the two switches, with minor variations in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, we can see a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° has an actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Zero Degree 0°. The actuation force of both switches is the same, meaning that users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to triggering keystrokes. Some may prefer the lighter bottom out force of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier push feel of the Zero Degree 0° for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly longer than the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch's travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, especially in gaming. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Zero Degree 0°. If you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the better option. Meanwhile, if you prioritize a quicker key response, the Zero Degree 0° could be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its higher-pitched sound profile, which adds a unique auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed to reduce noise with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, resulting in a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Lavender Purple Pro providing a more traditional typing sound and the Zero Degree 0° focusing on minimizing keyboard noise.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized by its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished attributes, providing a tactile typing experience that is responsive, lively, and smooth. In comparison, the feel of the Zero Degree 0° switch is not specified in the information provided. However, linear switches are generally known for their smooth and consistent keystrokes without a tactile bump, making them ideal for fast typists and gaming enthusiasts who prefer a linear feel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender Purple Pro stands out for its higher-pitched sound profile and tactile bump, while the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes noise reduction and smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, with both switches delivering exceptional qualities that cater to different needs. Experimenting with both switches will provide a better understanding of how each performs and how it aligns with personal preferences in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force and the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value silent typing with innovative self-padding design and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, then the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch would be the ideal option. Consider your preferences in sound, feel, and bottom out force to make the best decision for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so choose accordingly based on your individual preferences and typing style.
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